Legal Resources for Start-ups

One thing I’ve underestimated as a freelancer and start-up are the legal implications of handling business. Often as freshmen entrepreneurs, we try to cut corners to save money. Writing our own articles of incorporation, drafting our own contracts for clients and hashing out accounts payable on our own terms. These practices are just accidents waiting to happen.

For example, I’ve ran into issues not outlining specific net terms for payment when taking small jobs on the side. Often these jobs are from a friend-of-a-friend or other referral. After completing work, you struggle to get paid. Sometimes this takes weeks or even months. For larger jobs, if you’ve outsourced to other resources you are left to cover the gap.

After a recent misunderstanding and client fallout I decided to seek legal counsel to draft solid contracts to ensure as an boutique agency, this doesn’t become a recurring issue. In my opinion, the best way to find counsel is by referral from other business contacts. If you can’t manage this, look into various local organizations; for instance your local chamber of commerce or SCORE chapter should allow you to connect with quality legal assistance.

Additionally, here are 25 legal resources for start-ups from the start-up lawyer. Mostly covering your ass on the legal aspects of funding your start-up.

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